News

461st Support Squadron inactivates

  • Published
  • By Lynsey Sanderson
  • Robins Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The 461st Support Squadron at Robins Air Force Base inactivated June 6.

Dignitaries and Airmen gathered in Bldg. 2059 for the ceremony following a decision by Air Force officials to call for the reorganization in maintenance operation squadrons in 2012.

"Today is a bittersweet day as we come to close the book on the short but action-packed novel that was the 461st Support Squadron," said Lt. Col. Robert E. Dunlap, as he relinquished command. "And while the squadron may be going away, it's most valuable resource - the officers, enlisted and civilian personnel - are here to stay."

During the ceremony, Dunlap received the Meritorious Service Medal with third oak leaf cluster for outstanding service to the United States as commander of the 461st SPTS, 461st Maintenance Group and 461st Air Control Wing at Robins.

Col. David E. Foote, 461st Maintenance Group commander, praised Dunlap for his service.
 
"Under your leadership, the Angry Owls have been part of every Team JSTARS achievement, while along the way amassing a reputation for excellence to match. As most of you realize and fully understand, outstanding accomplishments don't happen by accident.

"I'm excited to have you all transition to being members of the maintenance group staff, and I look forward to working together with all of you to make our enemies fear the night while we continue to support the fight," he added.
 
The 461st SPTS had been active under the command of Dunlap since its establishment in October 2011, which has offered support in the form of maintenance operation schedulers, training; analysis, logistics readiness and civil engineering. It has had a diversified presence at Robins, with members located in eight buildings around base.

The overall change in Air Force organizational structure will eliminate the maintenance operation squadrons and like organizations which will allow maintenance officers to fill shortages in other units.

The inactivation of the 461st SPTS will affect more than 100 people, who will be moving into other staff positions in the group and wing.